Music Lessons in Mechanicsville, MD

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My methods and approach to teaching a student all depend on the student (or group of students). I like to find out what attracts my students to music, and more specifically, why they want to learn to play piano. By investigating the motives of my students, I can better tailor a lesson that delivers both what they want to learn and what they need to learn. Once the goals are known, we begin to build a foundation of technical and creative exercises to increase skill and comprehension within the realm of playing piano. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

A native Washingtonian, tenor saxophonist Brian graduated from the prestigious Duke Ellington School of The Arts, a product of master teacher and musician Davey Yarborough. He earned his BFA from The New School University in New York City, studying under Arnie Lawrence, Steve Neil, Charles Davis, Reggie Workman and Chico Hamilton. In 2008 Brian completed a Master of Music (MM) degree from Howard University where he was a graduate teaching assistant and student of saxophone virtuoso, Charlie Young. Among others, Brian has performed with Curtis Fuller, Gil Scott-Heron, Shirley Horn, Stanley Turrentine, Stanley Clarke, Mickey Roker, Butch Warren, Freddie Redd, Tom Abbs & Frequency Response and currently plays with Tomas Fujiwara and the Hookup. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginners, I start with the basics - proper posture and hand position, introduction to the keyboard and note recognition. In my experience, the Faber series is the most widely followed to get students started on their musical journey. As students progress, I ensure that they develop a repertoire that consists of at least 3 songs. I emphasize the importance of technical exercises that begin with 5 finger scales and advance to proper octave scales. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I am recognized internationally as a master drummer/percussionist and educator and facilitator, and I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge of rhythm and drumming with my students. I have been playing drums and percussion for over 45 years with extensive experience as a teaching artist in the classroom, a performer on stage, theater, and in the recording studio. I have studied with great teachers from many traditions in both drum set and world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have 12 years of experience teaching at all levels. I encourage my students to participate in recitals, competitions, and orchestra auditions to gain performance experience and to help motivate them to practice. I also find that performing can give students a sense of accomplishment and seeing their peers perform can be inspiring. I usually host two recitals yearly. The student may perform solo or with a pianist. I have also helped many students prepare for auditions. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

At the end of the day, music is about making a statement.  With that said, I believe that the best results occur when the student is happy with their growth.  If a student is having fun, they are more likely to not only practice, but perform with conviction.  To achieve this, I do my best to make sure the student develops a musical environment that makes them the most comfortable. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Music enables levels of communication and understanding between human beings that we don't come close to in the rest of our society and interactions. From my love for chamber music and recognition of music and art as an integral vocabulary for expanding global dialogue, understanding, and peace, I look for performance, creation, recording, and collaboration in classical, tango, contemporary, world, popular, and interdisciplinary artistic projects. Some of my teachers have included Peter Howard, Jorja Fleezanis, Atar Arad, Tanya Carey, and Sally Gross (choreographer). Read More